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Perhaps essentially the most iconic metropolis in Italy is the attractive historic metropolis of Venice. Lined with scenic canals oozing romance and all of the European vibes conceivable, Venice highlights many vacationers’ bucket lists.
In 2024, it is not essentially the most welcoming with overtourism and environmental considerations, plus a cheesy entry payment for vacationers.
Fortunately, there are lots of doppelgangers round Europe for selfie-worthy canals and charming streets.
![Female tourist visiting canal in Tavira](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Winding-Canals-And-Golden-Beaches_-Visit-The-Venice-Of-Portugal-On-Your-Next-European-Vacation-.jpg)
![Female tourist visiting canal in Tavira](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Winding-Canals-And-Golden-Beaches_-Visit-The-Venice-Of-Portugal-On-Your-Next-European-Vacation-.jpg.webp)
While you’ll be able to’t cruise the entire metropolis by a dreamy gondola, one metropolis in Portugal has been dubbed the “Venice of Portugal”, or on the very least the “Venice of the Algarve“.
Nestled within the Algarve close to Spain’s border lies the lesser-known seaside metropolis of Tavira, dwelling to winding canals and golden seashores.
A Gorgeous Alternative To Venice
It’s comprehensible to say there isn’t any place like Venice, however there is such a factor as second finest.
Like a nasty breakup the place we momentarily really feel like we’ll by no means discover love once more, it is protected to say Tavira is your rebound if Venice is your ex.
![Aerial view of Tavira, Portugal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Aerial-view-of-Tavira-Portugal.jpg)
![Aerial view of Tavira, Portugal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Aerial-view-of-Tavira-Portugal.jpg.webp)
Portugal, or town, would not declare to reign supreme over one of the crucial iconic cities in Europe, however dupe locations are a sizzling pattern proper now.
Finding the subsequent neatest thing to keep away from crowds or get monetary savings is throughout TikTookay and social media.
While romantic gondola rides and aromas of spaghetti and meatballs is perhaps off the desk, you do not have to sacrifice the standard of wine or unimaginable pure websites.
Despite being lesser identified, there are some similarities to Venice. Obviously, canals are essentially the most notable, therefore Tavira’s nickname.
![Blue water canals of natural park of Ria Formosa](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-water-canals-of-natural-park-of-Ria-Formosa.jpg)
![Blue water canals of natural park of Ria Formosa](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Blue-water-canals-of-natural-park-of-Ria-Formosa.jpg.webp)
“Gondolas”, per se, are scarce or a novelty at finest right here, however the excellent news is there are some wonderful boat excursions to benefit from the fairly water.
Ferries and excursions function to some beautiful websites, however no higher than Ria Formosa Nature Park, the place miles and miles of calm canals and islands finally run into a powerful shoreline of golden seashores.
Compared to Venice – no entry charges, no reservations required, however you’ll be able to nonetheless bask in superior meals, wine, and surroundings with out the overbearing guidelines and further prices because the Algarve is thought for affordability.
Tavira’s Beautiful Seaside
![Beautiful beach in Tavira](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beautiful-beach-in-Tavira.jpg)
![Beautiful beach in Tavira](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beautiful-beach-in-Tavira.jpg.webp)
The picturesque canals might not be mentioned sufficient, but when there’s one declare to fame on this facet of Portugal, it is lovely golden seashores.
Portugal has been booming, and now that summer season is upon us, it certainly will not change. Tavira might not be comparatively unknown, however that is the attraction.
With Porto, Faro, and naturally Lisbon, hovering to new heights, this solely provides to the attract to go to such a spot.
Tavira is lined with golden seashores, however there’s one place with beautiful white sand a fast ferry experience away for a day journey.
![Beach with golden sand in Tavira](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beach-with-golden-sand-in-Tavira.jpg)
![Beach with golden sand in Tavira](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beach-with-golden-sand-in-Tavira.jpg.webp)
Just 20 minutes away from town is Ilha de Tavira – a sugary white sand island.
But, beachgoers be warned – for higher or worse, the beautiful surroundings might not be the lasting reminiscence you will have for those who occur to wander within the “clothing optional” part.
Easier To Reach Than You Think
Azores Airlines just lately introduced the addition of new nonstop flights to Portugal from the U.S. from Boston and New York.
Portugal is a reasonably small nation in comparison with many European nations, so irrespective of the place you fly into the mainland, Tavira is inside attain.
![Charming cafe and stone streets of Tavira, Portugal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Charming-cafe-and-stone-streets-of-Tavira-Portugal.jpg)
![Charming cafe and stone streets of Tavira, Portugal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Charming-cafe-and-stone-streets-of-Tavira-Portugal.jpg.webp)
Many would agree that exploring Portugal by prepare is an journey value taking in its personal proper.
Nonetheless, Azores clearly flies to the nation’s phenomenal islands as nicely, so that might be the one monkey wrench reaching Tavira.
That being stated, the closest Portuguese metropolis is Faro, which has seen a surge of vacationers as of late. United picked up the memo and now flies nonstop here, making Tavira tremendous straightforward to achieve inside 40 minutes.
Another handy choice could be to achieve Tavira from Spain, one other dynamite nation seeing big quantities of vacationers pour in.
Travelers can attain the Venice-like metropolis from the Spanish metropolis of Seville in beneath 2 hours by bus or driving.
![Boats and historic architecture in Tavira along canal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boats-and-historic-architecture-in-Tavira-along-canal.jpg)
![Boats and historic architecture in Tavira along canal](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Boats-and-historic-architecture-in-Tavira-along-canal.jpg)
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.